Press Releases

Southern Tier Legislators: Start Up High School Sports

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblymen Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to give the go-ahead to high school sports seasons. In a joint statement, O’Mara, Friend...

Palmesano Responds to Governor’s State of State Address

“The governor presented an ambitious agenda today; however, we really need to see more details on how he plans to pay for his agenda and address our state’s projected $15 billion budget deficit. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of discussion by...

Palmesano January ‘Grants Action News’ Update

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is sending his “January Grants Action News Update” to residents, organizations and local governments about a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities. Each month,...

Palmesano Decries Violence in Washington

"The destruction and violence that took place at our nation’s Capitol was so very sad, wrong and completely unacceptable. We witnessed an unprecedented attack on our democracy and the dedicated law enforcement officials sworn to protect it. Citizens...

Area State Legislators Call on Cuomo to Veto Legislation

Elmira, N.Y.  – A group of state lawmakers representing the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Western New York are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto legislation that, if enacted, would significantly expand New York’s regulatory process governing...

Our Veterans Are in Our Hearts

When people express their feelings about Veterans Day, it’s not uncommon for them to end their messages with three words: no matter what. It’s a beautiful sentiment. No matter what our citizens are experiencing, no matter what adversity we’re facing,...

Remembering Fr. Lewis Brown And A Special Prayer He Shared

Our community has lost a dedicated and caring servant. Fr. Lewis Brown recently passed away, leaving a hole in the heart of our community. Those who knew Fr. Brown know the word “servant” described him well. He served God. He served his country....

Palmesano Blasts Governor’s Unworkable, Costly Executive Orders on BOE That Heap Costs on Local Taxpayers

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) hammered the governor’s latest Executive Order mandating that county boards of elections send a mailing to all voters outlining all of the deadlines associated with absentee, early and in-person voting on...

Palmesano, Colleagues Write Letter to Administration Urging Relief for Farm Families on the Brink

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) joined his Minority colleagues in sending a letter to Gov. Cuomo, Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball and members of the Farm Laborers Wage Board urging them not to impose any new regulations...

Palmesano Seeks Help from Residents to Complete Census Count

The upcoming election is not the only important opportunity for Americans to fulfill their civic obligations and participate in government. It might not generate as many headlines, but the Census is an extremely important process that carries more ramifications...

Palmesano Slams Commissioner Zucker For Not Appearing at Upstate Nursing Home Virtual Hearing

“The actions of Commissioner Zucker, or lack thereof, are once again unfortunate and unacceptable. Last week, he was not prepared to testify and answer questions. His lack of transparency and choosing to leave early without answering all the questions...

Regional Lawmakers Urge Cuomo Administration to Exempt Workers from Pennsylvania, Other Neighboring States

Elmira, N.Y. — A group of Southern Tier and Western New York lawmakers are urging Governor Andrew Cuomo to provide an exemption for workers who live in Pennsylvania but work in New York from potentially being included in the governor’s COVID-19...

Palmesano Responds to Commissioner Zucker's Limited, Evasive Testimony at Hearing on Covid-19 Crisis in Nursing Homes

“It is unfortunate and completely unacceptable that the commissioner of health, who is responsible for what happens in our nursing homes and hospitals, chose to cut short his time before the Legislature during yesterday’s hearing. This action...

O'Mara, Friend and Palmesano Call on Cuomo to Stop Delaying Payments to Nonprofit Organizations

Elmira, N.Y. — After hearing reports from regional and statewide nonprofit agencies and organizations that New York State is delaying state contracts and payments, Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats)...

Assembly Minority: NY Majority Attempting To Reverse Public Referendum in Favor of Self-Preservation

The New York State Assembly Minority Conference today criticized their Majority colleagues for their decision to cast aside a public referendum and eliminate any shred of equal representation on the Independent Redistricting Commission. In 2014,...

Palmesano Responds to Governor's New Regulations Targeting Restaurants, Bars, Wineries and Breweries

The governor announced new, burdensome regulations banning bars, restaurants, wineries and breweries from serving alcohol to patrons who do not order food and are not being served food. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) is outraged. “This...

Palmesano Joins Assembly Minority Conference to Pledge Support to Law Enforcement Amid Escalating Violence During Press Conference This Morning

“As shootings and violent crime rates continue to skyrocket in cities across the state, I am proud to join our Assembly Republican Conference to pledge our support to the brave law enforcement officials who protect our families and our communities...

Area Lawmakers, Education Leaders Call on State to Release School Reopening Guidelines

Horseheads, N.Y., — U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) and Assemblyman...

Palmesano Calls for Schools to Re-Open in September

U.S. Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), NYS Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), NYS Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), NYS Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) and NYS Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) will join regional...

O'Mara, Palmesano and Friend Urge Governor to Rescind Proposed Cut to Funding for Persons With Disabilities

Elmira, N.Y. — State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to rescind a proposed $238 million cut to the state Office...